Obama's plan will do little, Florida gun industry says

Wednesday

Jan 16, 2013 at 1:27 PM

Those involved in the firearms trade say the president's attempt to reduce violence will hurt their business and infringe on their rights

By LEE WILLIAMS

Critics of President Barack Obama’s proposals to reduce gun violence say that Florida has earned the nickname “The Gunshine State” because its gun laws have long been protective of an individual’s right to keep and bear arms.

While California and several northeastern states have clamped down on military-style firearms, the weapons remain relatively unregulated in Florida.

The same is true for 30-round magazines — called “high-capacity magazines” by gun control advocates and “standard capacity” by their owners.

Florida requires no permit, license or identification card to buy or possess firearms and ammunition, as some states do.

If a gun owner wants to carry a concealed pistol, the licensing process is simple and quick. The state also will sell a concealed carry license to non-residents. So far, more than 1.2 million have been sold at about $100 each.

The state’s preemption laws prohibit local governments from enacting their own gun regulations.

John Krotec, who owns Sarasota’s Environeers, a hiking and camping store that also sells firearms, said the gun debate has been “overblown and misunderstood.”

“In a free society, you do not punish the 99 percent because one percent can’t follow the rules. The Second Amendment was a radical proposal at that time. The reality is, those guys had it right.”

Sean Caranna, founder an executive director of Florida Carry Inc., a gun-rights group with more than 9,000 members, supports enhanced background checks, so long as private firearms sales are allowed.

Caranna said that bans of weapons and magazines — especially the AR-15 — are another story.

“The AR-15 is the most popular-selling rifle in America today, and it has been for many years. It’s a 50-year-old rifle,” Caranna said.

“Magazines - we’re talking about something that’s standard equipment with most firearms. Most pistols have a magazine capacity of 15-19 rounds. Thirty-round mags have come with the AR-15 since its inception.”

“I back him (the president) on that 100 percent,” he said. “But he needs to enforce it. This has been in place — they don’t tell you that — but it’s never been enforced. Who’s fault is that?”

Buchan opposes the proposed 10-round magazine restriction. “What’s that mean? Is is okay to shoot 10 people but not 11?” he asked.

Buchan spends nearly all of his day online and calling distributors searching for products to sell.

“Everybody’s so scared, they’re buying up everything,” he said. “Try to find a semi-auto .22 rifle. Try to find a Glock. Try to find a Ruger LC9. You can’t. They’re all gone, or the manufacturers are hoarding. This is going to hurt business in the long run.”

Joe Krawtschenko, owner and lead firearms trainer of Bradenton’s Aegis Tactical, is one of 60,000 attendees at the 2013 SHOT Show, the firearms industry’s premier trade show held this week in Las Vegas. Only manufacturers, distributors, retailers and others with proper credentials can get into the show.

Krawtschenko, who has a federal firearms license, was at the SHOT show to buy guns for his customers.

“Almost all ARs and military style weapons are gone,” he said by phone from the SHOT SHOW. “There’s a few guns selling for $2,000 over retail. People are going crazy.”

One national firearms distributor Krawtschenko spoke to — who usually has thousands of ARs in warehouses — had only 15 guns left. Magazines and parts also are largely sold out.